116. Charlie Dark, Founder Run Dem Crew

#REPOST: This week on Hurdle, I’m reposting five back-to-back episodes featuring Black guests, hoping to amplify their voices and continue my commitment of being a better ally. Today's episode was originally recorded in November 2019.

Spoiler alert: This Is one of my favorite live episodes to date. When Charlie Dark (@daddydarkrdc) started running, he was in a bad place. Dropped by his record label, the DJ and poet was teaching a poetry and creative writing class in east London and had recently lost a friend of his. It began under the cover of darkness. Between 1 and 3 a.m., he’d leave the recording studio in the early hours of the morning and run home. “I didn’t want anyone to see me. I didn’t need anyone to watch me fail.”

Within a year’s time, he had shared his love for the sport with friends. Every Friday night, they’d link up to run a single mile. Soon after this #hurdlemoment, Run Dem Crew was born. Currently at more than 500 strong, Dark says that co-founding the collective gave him new purpose. “We’re changing lives.” In today's episode — recorded live at the Lululemon Re:Pair Lab — we’re chatting everything from how to defeat imposter syndrome to the highs and lows of conquering the marathon distance. Plus, following your true passion and the power of running culture.

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@daddydarkrdc
@run.dem.crew
@lululemon
@hurdlepodcast
@emilyabbate

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